Stressors contributing to burnout amongst pediatric radiologists: results from a survey of the Society for Pediatric Radiology

Pediatr Radiol. 2019 May;49(6):714-722. doi: 10.1007/s00247-019-04370-z. Epub 2019 May 8.

Abstract

Background: A recent study showed a high prevalence of burnout in pediatric radiology.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate potential stressors contributing to burnout in pediatric radiology.

Materials and methods: Society for Pediatric Radiology members received an invitation for an anonymous survey evaluating stressors contributing to burnout. Stressors evaluated included call burden, financial stress, work-life balance, health care evolution and job market changes, and radiology as a career choice. Additional questions regarding demographics were obtained.

Results: The response rate was 460/1,453 (32%). The prevalence of emotional exhaustion was 66% (286/435), depersonalization was 61% (265/433) and perceived lack of personal accomplishment was 15% (67/436). In a backward selective logistic regression model, work-life imbalance and call burden were the only significant factors predicting higher emotional exhaustion (P<0.001). Using a similar model, work-life imbalance, call burden and decreased rate of reimbursement were significantly associated with higher probability of depersonalization (P=0.033, 0.0002 and 0.015, respectively). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were significantly associated with higher odds of a radiologist's wish to work in another medical specialty (P=0.011 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion: Key stressors contributing to burnout in pediatric radiology include work-life imbalance, pediatric call burden and a decreased rate of reimbursement. Burnout in pediatric radiology is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and prioritized on the individual and departmental/institutional levels and further investigated to develop effective interventions to mitigate it.

Keywords: Burnout; Pediatric radiology; Radiologists; Society for Pediatric Radiology; Stressors; Well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional*
  • Career Choice
  • Depersonalization
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatrics*
  • Radiologists / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Salaries and Fringe Benefits
  • Societies, Medical
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Workload